First Practice

[Diamond Tide]

You might think that this being first practice everything would look kind of sloppy. That wasn't the case today. To me the team in all phases looked pretty smooth (for a first practice). The pitchers, in their mound drills, did a good job. As did the infielders. Speaking of which, looked like they had been practicing quite a bit up to this point. The outfielders looked like they were in great shape. Good speed. In the cage the hitters looked very confident in their approach. You can obviously tell that Coach Todd Butler has been working with them. Bat speed really stood out.
The happiest player out on the field today had to be Allen Rice. Allen practiced very little in the fall while healing his shoulder. I kidded him about camping out on the field last night. He was excited and he looked good today.
There's not much else to say because today's practice was dominated by fundamental drills. It probably will be next weekend before the team will scrimmage. Hopefully our senior writer JoJo, can fill us in on results from upcoming practices.

RTR,

Diamond Tide

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"You're the best.........baby."-Coach Jim Wells talking to senior catcher Jeremy Brown.

 

[Displaced Bama Fan]

Sounds great! Thanks for the update.

 

[Tideboys]

wow thats great

 

[JoJoforHeisman]

I made it out to day 2 of practice and watched for awhile despite the miserable weather. They looked to be continuing with work similar to the first day's and scrimmages are set for this weekend. Gabe Scott is absolutely killing the ball, and ripped an opposite field line-drive homerun that was undoubtedly the most impressive hit of the afternoon. It is going to be extremely difficult to determine the starting outfield, as there are several serious contenders and all are very much in the mix. The defense looked a little sloppy at times, but no real cause for concern. Rice looked sharp working at second and third and Scelfo worked at both middle infield positions. Tennyson continues to spend time at second, and he may very well be the best defensive infielder on the team. The big question mark with him is whether he will be able to hit. Haske was hitting very well and looks to be the frontrunner at short. Sosa continues to hold his own at third and shows no real signs of being slowed by injury. Bush shifted over to first some, and will be counted on to provide depth at all four infield positions this season. Tyler Meigs, the 6'7 JUCO transfer from Bowdon, GA, is yet another two-way player who may be able to step in and contribute in a reserve role. He may see more time on the mound than in the lineup, but he could serve as a good source of power off the bench.